(Cook Islands) The Office of the Oceans Commissioner (OPOC) announced the commitment of the European Union and Spain to support OPOC’s mandate to provide coordinated support of the Pacific Islands Forum members’ implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement.
The European Union and Spain, through the Team Europe mechanism, will fund a position within OPOC to support its coordination role.
At the meeting, the OPOC Commissioner, Dr. Filimon Manoni, thanked the EU and Spain for their joint assistance, which will enable OPOC to carry out this important role.
In the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting Communique, the leaders acknowledged the work of OPOC and the CROP agencies negotiating for the BBNJ Agreement. They tasked OPOC with coordinating regional efforts with member countries to implement the BBNJ Agreement.
Both the European Union and Spain place importance on the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. Twenty-seven European Union member countries are signatories to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty (BBNJ).
“Oceans are very important for Spain. We are a maritime country and a long tradition in that sense. OPOC has identified the implementation of the high seas treaties as a priority. This year, to reinforce our part in that mission, we have partnered with the European Union and the European Commission in what we usually call team Europe initiatives. We put together resources and efforts, both of the European institutions and the member countries. These contributions will help to create a new position to coordinate the implementation of the High Seas Treaty.
EU and SPAIN support OPOCefforts on BBNJ implementation
